No school, institution, or mentor can ever truly prepare you for the world in its entirety. No one will ever understand what you want, or how you feel, and therefore they can never tell you how to react in any specific situation. This world is a complex place, and there are going to be hundreds of questions that, not even I, can help you discover the answers to. That responsibility is up to you.

I hope that you like books and enjoy school like I do. One of the most important things I can teach you is to learn as much as you can, for as long as there are people willing to teach you. Ask questions - always ask questions. Assumptions can only ever get you halfway to the answer you need.

The second most important thing is, don't be like me. Or at least not like the person described on any pages previous to this date. Don't invest your time into anything unless it's something you truly want with all of your heart. Don't try to find happiness in anything besdies yourself; not material, not physical, because you will not find it there.

Never eat anything that is still alive.

It's probably best if you never try to wear a hat as a fashion statement. Never own bright colored (or white) winter coats, and don't waste your time with mittens. No velcro after age 3, and I will only be able to teach you the "bunny-ear" method of tying your shoe.

Learn how to cook from an early age, and not just to impress your future husband.

Live with animals (no birds or livestock, except maybe ducks) and take care of them yourself.

Try not to nap unless absolutely nessecary.

Laugh all the time, but don't be obnoxious.

Know who your God Parents are.

Don't torture things, even ugly bugs or worms.

Don't play with fire.

No paint in carpeted rooms.

Only watch the good shows on TV.

Play in freshly raked leaves, but also help to clean them up.

Wear rain boots and jump in water puddles.

Practice memory building.

Don't use the same utensil in any different food when serving out of the jar/container. Always check experation dates.

Humans are allowed to eat meat. And if you decide to be a vegetarian, no man-made meat either. All or nothing.

Love yourself, as much as I'm sure I will love you. No matter who you become, or how you look, love yourself. Be comfortable in your own skin.

Work hard, and never settle. Easy is never better, and you need to make sure you are choosing your path - not falling into it.

Dream. Always dream.

Document. God forbid you ever forget any tiny momen tin your life. Every event, even the most saddening ones, are making you who you are inteded to become. The more you know, the more you remember, and the better off you will be.

Be as creative as you can.

Make music. Even a little. It makes life so much richer. Let melodies envelope you and cresendos carry you away.

Do something productive every day (yes, mowing, laundry, and dishes count) but things like voulenteering, being a good neighbor, being a good friend - those are the most important.

Leave your hometown at least once a year, for at least two days, it will help you embrace your future. It will broaden your horizons and help you decide who you want to be (city girl, country girl, culvesac girl).

Tell your family you love them and hang aged pictures on the walls of your home. Roots are important, they help you grow.

Try not to be afraid, it lessens your choices. Be smart and be wary, but try to avoid becoming terrified.

Fullfill your passion - don't ignore any talent you are given.

Don't be obsessed with: texting, tanning, internet, or social networking.

Try not to use abbreviations in everyday conversation.

Always have faith and be hopeful. Try to see the glass as half-full.

Understand the Bible and Christianity before you make any decision on religion - and make sure whatever you choose is the right one.

Dance in the rain, and try not to be too afraid of the lightening.

Be honest, and be open, and thank all others who are also. And always be polite when you are being blunt.

Remember that you are always going to be smaller than the burning stars above. And don't try to interfere with space or the natural order. Shoot for the moon, but never try to laso it.

Know your place, but stand up for your beliefs.

Have good friends, good influences, that help and support you the entire way - no matter what. Be friends with guys as well as girls.

Until you are at least 15: Avoid fishnets and don't dye your hair.

Never have unstyled hair. Always have layers, bangs...something. Have at least 1 bad haircut/style.

Have some older friends.

Be consistent.

Know that you will make mistakes, everyone does.

Try to do well in math and science.

Do good. Care about others - people like that.

Don't hold back emotions - it's okay to cry.

No drugs. Proudly be above the influence. Peer pressure is fake, so never try to use that as an excuse.

Ask for help and accept criticism, but always make your own decisions.

There is no reason to be awake past 3 A.M.

Never drive while drowsy, and never ride with someone who is.

Always be 10 minutes early.

Impress your superiors.

Always kiss softly and slowly - and you don't always have to close your eyes.

Be precautious and proactive.

Never let size be a factor - avoid superficiality. Never judge people prematurely.

Spooning leads to forking.

Go to college - any college - I don't care.

Don't laugh when others are upset.

If a guy you like is willing to walk to your house and climb in your window just to tell you he loves you, then I guess I should be willing to give him a chance.

I actually have a few nicknames.

Sam, Sammi, Trixie, and Reece

Sam comes from everyone who knows me, because no one wants to call me Samantha.
Sammi comes from my family, and they're the only ones who call me it because I hate when people do and I'll hit anyone I'm not related to for doing such.
Trixie was created by one of my friends because I went through a prank calling phase where I would call people I knew on pre-paid cell phones and say, "Hey, it's Trixie, from the other night.  You never called me..." And she thought it was hillarious.
And Reece was something I made up, which is why my name on here is Reece Darlene. I may one day change my name but if/when anything of mine is published, it will be under this name.

   

I just answered this Featured Question; you can answer it too!

Most people compliment my eyes, they're considered hazel and change from green to blue depending on my mood, more or less.  Also, a lot of people like my hair, I hardly used chemicals on it until a few years ago so it still has all it's natural health, unlike most people I know who have already fried their hair because they've dyed it so much.

I actually hate compliments, so I really don't want any other.  Besides, I think that these two compliments accent the only attributes I actually think are worth noticing on me.  I have a terribly low self-esteem so I tend to give out compliments more often than I recieve them.

I just answered this Featured Question; you can answer it too!